Red Bank Green

Serving Red Bank and Greater Red Bank, NJ

Space beneath the steeple, complete with spiral staircase, is now an office. The new First Church of Christ, Scientist worship space, below, is a fraction of the original size. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

This week, and right on schedule, lawyers, healthcare providers, a ribbon manufacturer and a boudoir photographer started moving into 211 Broad Street, the steepled structure that was a church for 62 years. Read More »

The Piano Guys, above, make an encore appearance at the Count Basie Theatre on August 4. Veteran troubador Gordon Lightfoot, below, returns to Red Bank on August 6.

An up-close and in-person look at TV’s latest crop of primetime music American Idols. An area encore by a surprise sensation spawned via YouTube. And a raconteuring retrospective from a veteran who did it the hard way, along that endless highway…

It’s all lined up in the nights to come on the history-basted boards of Red Bank’s Count Basie stage.

Gary Close, age 43, from 10th Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on July 20, 2015 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Possession of Cocaine, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $13,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Jamie Reynolds, age 30, from Carr Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on July 20, 2015 by Patrolman Brady Carr on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. She was held on $500.00 bail.

Chicago Blackhawks player TrevorvanRiemsdyk, who grew up in Middletown, brought his own silverware to dinner in Rumson Thursday night: the Stanley Cup.

Van Riemsdyk’s team won this year’s National Hockey League championship over theTampa Bay Ligthning. The league allows each player on the winning team to take custody of the cup for a day, and the 24-year-old defenseman used his day to show off the cup to fans across Monmouth and Ocean counties – as detailed in this video by Shore Sports Zone – before ushering it by boat across the Navesink River to a private party at the Salt Creek Grille.

Among the more than 100 wellwishers on shore was Middletown resident Michael Kessig, a friend of van Riemsdyk’s older brother, James, who plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The excitement for the family was “through the roof,” Kessig said, after shooting a selfie with the trophy, above right. “Trevor got his shot this year, and we’re hoping James can have his soon, too.”

Being for the Benefit: Lincroft’s own Lucien Nocelli (right, as John Lennon) leads his Beatlemania Stage Show mates back to the Two River Theater on Sunday.

When he’s just being his own, talented self, Lincroft-based guitarist, singer, songwriter and music educator Lucien Nocelli plays and records as a fast-fingered fusion fretmeister. But whenever there’s a cause to be supported, Nocelli suits up as John Lennon – whether in “Ed Sullivan” era garb, colorful “Sgt. Pepper” uniforms or “Abbey Road styled apparel” – and puts out the call to his mates in the Beatlemania Stage Show.

Based on the long-running Broadway smash that framed the Fab Four’s music in period costumes and projected images of the tumultuous Sixties, the musical multimedia presentation has summoned the Beatles back into being every August for the past several years with a benefit show on the stage of Red Bank’s Two River Theater.

Above is architect David Carnevale’s rendering of the six-unit condo building on Harding Road that would replace the previously planned market. Below, architect Cathy Zuckerman’s rendering of the condos proposed for Clay Street and Hudson Avenue. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

Builder Ray Rapcavage has dropped his plan for a greenmarket as part of of a proposal to redevelop a block on the edge of downtown Red Bank, redbankgreen has learned.

In yet another in a series of revisions, plans filed with the borough show that instead of a 4,300-square-foot organic fruit and vegetable market fronting on Harding Road, Rapcavage now plans to erect six condos.

The casket bearing the remains of longtime borough merchant Laureano “Larry” Garmany, who died Saturday at age 62, arrives for funeral services at Saint James Roman Catholic Church in Red Bank Wednesday morning. Garmany’s namesake clothing store on Broad Street is visible in the background. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

Rumson firefighters, slowed somewhat by a Cat construction vehicle parked in the driveway, quickly doused a fire that fully engulfed a custom-designed wooden play set in the backyard of a newly completed home at 10 Sailers Way Tuesday evening, Fire Chief Kevin McCarthy tells redbankgreen.

The cause of the blaze could not be determined but is not considered suspicious, he said. Monmouth County property records indicate the home is owned by Anthony Diaco. Rumson, Oceanic and Fair Haven volunteers responded to the 6:49 p.m. alarm, McCarthy said. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

Layonne Holmes leads the New Standard Jazz Ensemble in a Thursday local debut at Riverside Gardens. Trumpeter Jon Faddis plays the Two River Theater’s Summer Jazz Café Friday.

Whether you’re a serious jazz aficionado – you know, the kind who hears a record and can name the session date, all of the players, and what they had for lunch – or simply one who digs all that a sophisticatedly swinging set does to the general mood, you’ve got to appreciate the fact that it’s been a July to remember, jazzwise, in Red Bank.

This weekend sees the final entry in the 2015 Summer Jazz Café series at Two River Theater, while the music plays on at Riverside Gardens during the free Thursday night slate of Jazz in the Park concerts; all of it programmed by borough-based Jazz Arts Project and artistic director Joe “Mooche” Muccioli.

With temperatures headed toward the high 80s, John Cushing of Bayonne rolled on with his work Tuesday, painting curbs outside the Toast restaurant under construction in the former Broadway Diner on Monmouth Street in Red Bank.

The National Weather Service said Tuesday was the first of at least seven consecutive days in which peak daytime temperatures were expected to be close to 90 degrees. (Click to enlarge)

Laureano “Larry” Garmany, a high-end clothier whose sizable investments in downtown Red Bank helped fuel its recovery from economic torpor back to prosperity in the 1990s, died Saturday.

No cause of death was given in an obituary published late Monday, but friends said the 62-year-old Colts Neck resident suffered a stroke early on the day he died.

Garmany, a Cuban immigrant-turned-retailer, bet heavily on Red Bank when it was widely derided as “Dead Bank,” and continually upped his stake in the town. His crowning achievements: transforming the vacant former Steinbach’s department store on Broad Street into a 40,000-square-foot clothing store bearing his name, and luring Tiffany & Co. to be its next-door neighbor.

Closing existing stores in New York City and Summit, “he took all his marbles so to speak and put them into one basket at a time when things weren’t looking so good for Red Bank,” former Mayor Ed McKenna said Monday. “His faith in our ability to resurrect the town was, for me personally, a real show of confidence, and made me feel better about the vision we had for bringing Red Bank back.”

Brothers and former major leaguers Jeff Frazier (who played seven years with the Tigers, Marlins and Nationals) and Charlie Frazier (six years with the Marlins) of Frazier Baseball put on a batting clinic for about 100 kids at Count Basie Fields in Red Bank Monday morning – and waived the $99 fee for about two dozen boys and girls from the borough rec department’s spring softball and baseball squads, said department Director Tamila Bumback.

The borough teams “don’t have a history of being very strong,” Bumback told redbankgreen, “but we’re looking to improve, and this should help.” (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

Under clear skies and much appreciated low heat and humidity, Fair Haven Fields was transformed into a tent city for the borough’s annual Camp Out Saturday night. There, we found fourth-grader Laughlan Forster, above, who told us he was “so excited” about his first-ever camp-out.

redbankgreen paid a visit as families bearing pillows, blankets, bug spray and teddy bears set up for night out on the playing fields.

He wasn’t the only one. Click the ‘read more’ to see s’more happy campers. (Photos by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

“Weird Al” Yankovic brings his Mandatory World Tour to the Basie stage on Tuesday night…while Rob Thomas returns to station stop Red Bank for another two-night stand on Friday and Saturday.

Don’t look now, but not only has “Weird Al” Yankovic scored the first Billboard popchart-topping comedy album in all of human history — and not only has the MTV-era novelty act entered his fourth decade of performing with the polished legitimacy of three Grammy awards — but his amiable brand of parody has far outlasted the prime-time careers of many of those whose momentary hits he tweaked for posterity.

It’s a growing group that includes Toni Basil, Gerardo, Men Without Hats, the Offspring, Tiffany, Tone Loc, and (arguably) Usher, Beck, and Madonna. With his accordion as his axe, the artist brings his Mandatory World Tour to Red Bank’s Count Basie stage on Tuesday, July 28, still surfing the momentum generated by his year-old Mandatory Fun album and its savvy takes on hits by Pharrell Williams, Iggy Azalea and Lorde. Read More »

08.02 - Climb Time at Bayshore Waterfront Park The Monmouth County Parks System invites invites ages 8 and up (42 in. or taller; under 18 with adult) to try the 25 ft. portable climbing wall at Bayshore Waterfront Park, in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown.

08.02 - American Idol LIVE! The top five IDOL finalists from Season Fourteen — Jax, Tyrana, Clark, Nick and Rayvon — take it to the stage of the Count Basie Theatre for a showcase package concert that includes VIP options ranging from 145 to 315 dollars per ticket.

08.02 - Historic Seabrook—Wilson House Tours The Monmouth County Parks System invites the public to tour the 18th century house at Bayshore Waterfront Park, in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown. See displays on the ecology of the bay and local history.

08.02 - Movies in Fair Haven Fields: FROZEN Shore Flicks closes out the summer season at Fair Haven Fields (with a little help from their giant inflatable screen and fantastic sound system), with the epic Disney CGI smash. Starts at about 8:15 pm; bring lawn chairs/ blankets and canned goods for the nightly food drive.

08.02 - Art Opening at the Guild The Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury hosts an opening reception for an All Media Community Outreach Show. Exhibit continues through August 26 during regular gallery hours, with a 'Small Treasures' mini show featuring associate members of the Guild.

08.02 - Open Ceramics at Thompson Park Come to the park's Creative Arts Center and choose from a large selection of bisque fired pottery pieces to glaze and make your own. Cost is 6 dollars per hour plus price of bisque ware; cash or check only. Pieces will be fired in about a week.

08.02 - BEATLEMANIA Stage Show at Two River Theater The touring unit of the famed Fab Facsimile show (featuring Lincroft's Lucien Nocelli as John Lennon) performs a full costume fundraiser gig for the nonprofit Housing and United Services Inc. and their efforts on behalf of the blind and disabled. Tix from the Two River box office; more info at www.HUSNJ.net.

08.02 - Red Bank Farmers Market Fresh, locally grown produce from some of New Jerseys finest farmers, plus equally homegrown crafts, at this Sunday morning staple running from May through the end of November in the Galleria parking lot.

08.03 - Eco—Kayak Tours on the Navesink The Claypit Creek area of Hartshorne Woods Park in Middletown is the departure point for a series of leisurely guided 'drop in' tours for experienced or novice paddlers. It's 'first come first served' and open to ages 12 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by adult); participants must be physically fit and all equipment (including single or tandem kayaks) is provided. Click for phone link to register; each tour limited to 10 participants.

08.03 - Seining at the Bayshore Dress for the beach, as the Monmouth County Parks System invites one and all to Bayshore Waterfront Park, in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, for a (weather permitting) look at local marine life captured in a seining net (and released back) in the shallow waters of Sandy Hook Bay. Open to ages 5 and up (under 18 with adult). Sorry, no groups.

08.04 - The Piano Guys A piano and cello duo of Jon Schmidt and Steven Sharp Nelson make a Red Bank return (augmented by Paul Anderson and Al van der Beek) with an engaging classical/ pop crossover highlighted by their takes on tunes by One Direction and Adele.

08.04 - Free Movies in the Park: STAR TREK Shore Flicks returns to Riverside Gardens with Chris Pine and Zac Quinto in JJ Abrams' reboot of the intergalactic classic franchise. It goes up on the big screen at about 8:15 pm; refreshments are available, so bring lawn chairs/ blankets (plus nonperishable food items for local food pantries) — and follow Shore Flicks on Facebook and Twitter for weather cancellations or other updates.

08.04 - National Night Out Against Crime in Red Bank The Red Bank Police Department, 12th District Legislators and local officials invite participants to join them for a Night Out walk that begins at Borough Hall on Monmouth Street, covering the downtown area and neighborhoods of Red Bank. Kids' games, activities, info, music and refreshments will be served up by the RBPD and Library staff in the Borough Hall parking lot at the conclusion of the walk.

08.05 - Sandy Hook Beach Concerts: The Haven The summertime series of free Wednesday evening concerts on the Hook continues with a dose of classic rock, on the portable stage and sandy seating area at Beach Area E. Come early for a special 5:30 set by The Sam Sims Trio!

08.05 - Seining at the Bayshore Dress for the beach, as the Monmouth County Parks System invites one and all to Bayshore Waterfront Park, in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, for a (weather permitting) look at local marine life captured in a seining net (and released back) in the shallow waters of Sandy Hook Bay. Open to ages 5 and up (under 18 with adult). Sorry, no groups.

08.05 - Free Yoga Classes at Riverside Gardens The YMCA, in partnership with Red Bank Parks & Recreation, invite all who live or work in Red Bank to free fitness sessions going on every third Wednesday (through September 16) at the park on West Front Street. No registration necessary; bring water and a mat, and click for phone link to call info in case of inclement weather.

08.05 - Noble Writers at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library hosts a free weekly Wednesday morning meeting of the writing group for women, with all welcome to join and no registration required. A Writing Critiquing Group also meets every Wednesday evening at the library, 7 pm.

08.05 - CROSSING BORDERS Festival Two River Theater Company presents the fifth annual festival of new plays by Latino playwrights, curated by Jerry Ruiz and this year saluting the work of Cuban creatives. It kicks off tonight at 5:30 pm with the traditional outdoor neighborhood party on the Two River Plaza, featuring opportunities to meet the artists involved in the festival, plus Cuban food and live music. Then at 7 pm, author and translator Yael Prizant will give a lecture and answer questions about Cuban history and theater.

08.05 - Wednesday Canoe Rentals at Thompson Park The Lincroft headquarters of the Monmouth County Parks System offers seasonal canoeing on Marlu Lake, with boats available for rent and all equipment provided. Open to ages 3 and up; under 18 with adult; pay by cash or check only.

08.06 - Summer BBQ Extravaganza at Sickles Market The Little Silver landmark spotlights NJ's 'local trifecta of corn, tomatoes and peaches' with an event that includes a full barbecue menu, featured product tastings and demos, plus kids' activities and live music by The Danjos. Click for phone link to reserve tickets.

08.06 - Sea Bright Farmers' Market The Municipal Parking Lot at the center of town is the setting for a weekly spread of locally grown fruit and produce, fresh baked goods, raw honey, coffee, pickles and more — including (new for 2015) pasture raised meats and poultry; farm fresh cheeses, yogurt and eggs; Asian greens and fresh cut herbs plus much more, all from local farms and purveyors. Runs Thursdays through September; click for link to updates on guest chefs and other special events.

08.06 - Community Celebration at Sickles Market The Little Silver landmark hosts a special event 'in honor of the agricultural heritage of Sickles Market and 350 years of farming in the great state of New Jersey, including the fabulous and famous summer produce trifecta:
Jersey Corn, Peaches & Tomatoes!' Also featured are live music, full BBQ menu, local farmers and vendors, kids activities and more. Children under 3 admitted free; click for phone link to reserve tickets.

08.06 - Neighbors Helping Neighbors at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library hosts a free weekly Thursday morning meeting of the support group for people who are re—entering the job market, struggling small business owners and anyone looking for part—time or volunteer work.

08.06 - Fairview Fix Youth Instrumental Band at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library hosts a free concert by the band under the direction of Luke Frerrell, inside the Community Room. No charge for admission, but tickets (available at the library) are required.

08.06 - Tween Write Away at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library invites tweens (grades 4 through 6) to create a novel or picture book for another edition of the monthly Write Away Club series. Registration required.

08.06 - Google Maker Camp at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library invites ages 6 and up to 'embrace their inner maker, get their hands dirty, fix some things, break some things, and have a lot of fun doing it' during a twice weekly workshop led by students from BioTech High School. Register online for either Thursday or Saturday session (please choose only one session per week) — you can even participate online from home!